Get Ready for the DC Walk for Justice 5K

As a DC Bar Foundation board member and former member of the Young Lawyers Network Leadership Council, I have a long history of supporting and championing Foundation causes. For years, I have served as a volunteer solicitor for the Foundation’s annual Call to Action campaign. And last year, I secured my firm’s sponsorship for the inaugural DC Walk for Justice 5K at Nationals Park. This event was an incredible display of community, education, and collaboration. I am excited to join you, your colleagues, and your family on Thursday, October 23, for the 2nd annual DC Walk for Justice 5K.

The goals for the Walk are threefold: 1) increase awareness of the significant civil legal aid needs in the District; 2) expand the network of individuals and organizations committed to supporting civil legal aid; and 3) raise significant funds for the Foundation’s crucial work.

Through my various leadership roles with the Foundation, I understand how critical fundraising is in supporting civil legal aid organizations and DC residents who are most in need. Beyond fundraising, however, the Foundation sees the Walk as an opportunity to amplify awareness about civil legal aid. How many DC residents know they can turn to a civil legal aid organization when in crisis? How many know what services civil legal aid organizations provide? And how many know that civil legal aid can be the difference between having a roof over their head and becoming unhoused?

The Walk, in part, is intended to be a learning resource. Last year, the Foundation posted facts about civil legal aid throughout the Walk course to give context to the work being done. We hope to highlight not only what civil legal aid provides but also the critical needs these organizations have.

The Walk is also about bringing together community and family. One of the highlights for me was attending the Walk with my wife and children, who enjoyed face painting, a stroll around the concourse at Nats Park, and, of course, delicious ballpark food. As a sponsor, my firm formed a team to support the Walk and tackle the 5K. I also valued deepening my connections and making new connections with so many of you. As a board member, I relish the opportunity to meet the people who are engaged in this work for our city, so I was thrilled that this event provided such a chance. I left the Walk feeling energized and hopeful.

That feeling remains with me today, which is why I want to encourage your workplace to sponsor the Walk, form a fundraising team, and join us on Thursday, October 23. The gates at Nats Park will open at 3 p.m., and the event officially kicks off at 4 p.m. Last year, the Foundation raised over $162,000, and we hope to increase that to $325,000 for 2025. Several sponsors have already made generous commitments, and on behalf of the DC Bar Foundation, I offer a sincere thank you.

You can register for the Walk here. I look forward to seeing you at Nationals Park.

Sincerely,

Adam Pollett

DC Bar Foundation

Board Member